Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Richards, William (fl. 1781) to Henry Knox

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01155 Author/Creator: Richards, William (fl. 1781) Place Written: Middletown, New York Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 24 August 1781 Pagination: 2 p. ; 29.4 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy

Likely related to the accusations against a Mr. Richards by Reuben Smith in GLC02437.01148. Thanks Knox for his "repeated instances of Politeness shown to me from time to time, in a particular manor, for espousing my character, when it was most injuriously and enviously attacked by the tongue of slander and designing Villains, who wou'd fondly destroy and blast the character and reputation of any man, who appears in the character of a gentleman, especially a Continental Officer, if not an inhabitant of their Town of State." Expresses anger at those who do not provide adequate provisions for the troops and those who sell to the army at exorbitant prices. Says "the people" are guilty of "horrid conduct." Says God will punish them if they do not change their ways. Claims he can feel good because he acted as a faithful public servant. Recto of document has been silked.

[Excerpt:]
They who would indeavour to keep the Army Cooly, make no proper nor adequate provision for them - but will at the same time exact the most exorbitant prices for every-thing they have to dispose off [sic] - damn them - I burn with indignation against their horrid conduct - infidelity - impiety - illiberality and envious dispositions abound amongst the greater Part of the people nowadays - the Lord is zealous - the God revenges - if they dont come to a hasty and speedy refermation - they are irretrievable, a gone people - I quake at the idea of the impious people of this State...

Richards, William, fl. 1781
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources